Merchandising Intern - Summer 2027

POET • Sioux Falls, SD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET
We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES
Each day, when we show up to work at POET Bioproducts it's our job to market and transport, as efficiently as possible, about 20,000 tons of our high-quality feed products from our bio-processing facilities to our valued customers who happen to be located all over the globe. We use trucks, trains, barges and ocean vessels to make this happen and as a Merchandising Intern it will be your job to assist the Merchandising Team in managing our Co-Product portfolio by studying the markets and developing customer relationships. Your specific assignments can vary by product and may include marketing Dried or Wet Distillers Grains, Distillers Corn Oil to either domestic or international customers. If you are a problem solver, detail oriented, a good team player, and an effective communicator and are looking for an opportunity with a strong, growing company in an exciting industry, we can provide you with all the necessary training and tools to be successful.
This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:
Research and gather market intelligence in various market areas
Work with the merchandising team to develop sales strategies
Promote and represent POET Bioproducts at off-site customer locations, POET Partner plants and networking meetings
Complete a strategic market development plan or equivalent value-added project Utilize and develop various forms of marketing communication
Understand the various market drivers for commodity marketing on a worldwide stage Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere.
Since we're all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!
The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Sophomore or Junior in college and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Ag Business, Ag Economics, Economics, or similar major.
• Customer service mindset with a desire to find solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with a sense of urgency that drive results.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

Nice To Haves

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset and the ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness and creativity in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment

Responsibilities

• Research and gather market intelligence in various market areas
• Work with the merchandising team to develop sales strategies
• Promote and represent POET Bioproducts at off-site customer locations, POET Partner plants and networking meetings
• Complete a strategic market development plan or equivalent value-added project
• Utilize and develop various forms of marketing communication
• Understand the various market drivers for commodity marketing on a worldwide stage
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere

Benefits

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED